The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Winner of 2008 Best Asian Marine/yacht Club

The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC) is a marina and a premier yachting and sailing club. The establishment is situated on the island of Langkawi (Kedah), Malaysia.

(Latitude 6o 18.2' N, Longitude 99 o 51.1' E, its main radio service being accessible at VHF Channel 69.)

In 2008, the Christofle Asia Boating Awards -- the region's premier sailing event, which celebrates the efforts of boat builders, marinas, clubs, enthusiasts and other like-minded individuals -- crowned The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club with the title of Best Asian Marine / Yacht Club of the Year.

Former Commodore of the RLYC, Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah, has seen it fit to attribute the win to the dedication and hard work of staff, and the loyalty of members and supporters. RLYC Rear Commodore, Tunku Soraya Dakhlah Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah, also adds that the recognition would only increase Langkawi's reputation and desirability as Asia's premier sailing destination.

In brief, the award of Best Asian Marine / Yacht Club of the Year looked at and tips its hat to various features of The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

Firstly, as a marina: The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club allocates some 205 berths for docking yachts. These berths vary in size and cater to a diverse range of crafts; in addition, six areas have also been designated for mega yachts (of up to 60m in length, and a low tide depth of 3 meters).

All berths enjoy electricity supply (single phase and 3 phase, from 32A to 100A), free water, wireless Internet access (spanning the whole club/marina), shower rooms/toilets, a swimming pool, 24 hours of security, maintenance services, laundry, fax, telephone services, and a supply of diesel fuel. Qualified professionals, equipped with the expertise to handle minor boat repairs and basic boat maintenance, are in attendance at all berths.

Then, as a club: The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club plays host to The Royal Langkawi International Regatta. First established in 2003, the event has managed to attract the biggest names from the international yacht racing and sailing crowd ever since.

As The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club has become an international melting pot of sorts, its two main restaurants, Charlie's Place and  Captain's Deck, choose to reflect this status by treating its colourful guests to an equally varied culinary palate.

Charlie's Place serves Malaysian and Western dishes, delectable cocktails and various beverages to accompany the picturesque sunsets and sensual bellows of the sea.

Captain's Deck is far more adventurous, and its menu, featuring pan-Asian delicacies, panders toward the eclectic. Here, live music would serenade patrons, who are given the choice of savouring the fine dining experience from various locations on the penthouse deck (all of which display an arresting view of the marina and the azure blue sea). The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is quite capable of handling functions, and may accommodate up to 300 people at any one time.

There is something for everyone at the The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club: Those seeking play or peace of mind may be drawn to the  waterfront swimming pool, jaccuzi and sauna. Deep-sea fishing, sailing, and scuba diving may fancy the inquisitive and hardcore sea-lovers. The audaciously daring should not hold back from experiencing the jet skis and speedboats.

The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club offers, through its Hocus Pocus, three outlets for the curious: The Boatique, a chandlery, featuring signature souvenirs, marine supplies and general items; The Bottle Shop, a duty-free wine and liquor outlet; and the Cyber Centre, an internet cafe.

If personal sightseeing and exploration is more to one's liking, The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club allows guest to book tours, and charter yachts from the various offices within club premises. Guests may try exploring the island of Langkawi itself, which is abundantly laden with lush greenery, gorgeous (and historical) locations, an assortment of sea-based culinary delights, and folklore spanning some few centuries (oftentimes curiously interweaved with history.) A nearby island, Pulau Dayang Bunting, renown for its uniquely placed fresh water lake and scenic seaside, may also prove to be a tempting and irresistible draw for those with an affinity for natural beauty.

The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is both marina and club, and it strives to afford world-class facilities and a variety of leisure diversions to its distinguished guests.

The establishment warmly welcomes all to the experience.

More information can be found at http://www.langkawiyachtclub.com/